India has significant human rights problems despite making commitments to tackle some of the most prevalent abuses. There are increased restrictions on Internet freedom; continued marginalization of Dalits, tribal groups, religious minorities, sexual and gender minorities, and people with disabilities; and persistent impunity for abuses linked to insurgencies, particularly in Maoist areas, Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, and Assam. Many children remain at risk of abuse and deprived of education. India’s free media, vibrant civil society, and independent judiciary often act as checks on abusive practices but reluctance to hold public officials to account for abuses or dereliction of duty fosters a culture of corruption and impunity. India continues to use laws to stifle dissent by restricting access to foreign funding for domestic nongovernmental organizations that are critical of the government.

Authorities in India should fully enforce a Supreme Court ruling to protect the rights of transgender people and help end discrimination, social exclusion, and abuse, Human Rights Watch said today. They should also credibly investigate several recent incidents in which police allegedly abused transgender people.

The horrific January 7 attack on the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris has led to a raging debate worldwide on the limits to freedom of expression and opinion. In India, a country of many religions and faiths, where tolerance and free expression have long struggled to find common ground, the attack has sparked a crucial discussion.

Human Rights Watch welcomes the opportunity to review the draft IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining. Below are recommendations based on research conducted by Human Rights Watch in various countries. Human Rights Watch has carried out extensive research on business and human rights issues, including on human rights and mining in India, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Ghana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mali, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.